A History of Victoria

A History of Victoria

A History of Victoria is a lively account of the people, places and events that have shaped Victoria, from the arrival of the first Aboriginal peoples through to the present day. In his inimitable style, Geoffrey Blainey considers Victoria's transformation from rural state to urban society. He speculates on the contrasts between Melbourne and Sydney, and describes formative events in Victoria's history, including the exploits of Ned Kelly, the rise of Australian Football and the Olympics of 1956. Melbourne's latest population boom, sprawling suburbs and expanding ethnic communities are explored. Blainey also casts light on Victoria's recent political history. This edition features sections on the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, the end of the drought and the controversy surrounding the Wonthaggi desalination plant. New illustrations, photographs and maps enrich the narrative. Written by one of Australia's leading historians, this book offers remarkable insight into Victoria's unique position within Australian history.

Table of contents

Part I. Feathers, Fleece, and Dust of Gold: 1. A turban of feathers; 2. Australia felix; 3. A golden ant-hill; 4. The silver stick; 5. One in ten thousand; 6. 'My lord the workingman'; 7. Sunshine and moonshine; 8. Who am I?; Part II. Whirlwind and Calm: 9. When the bubble burst; 10. The horse and its conquerors; 11. Hope, depression, fire and water; 12. The rise and fall of Albert the great; 13. The jolting merry-go-round; 14. A long race: Melbourne and Sydney; 15. Whirlwind in Spring Street; 16. The new Victorians: life, work and play; 17. Koala, growling frog, drought and fire; 18. A bulging city.